He knew everyone—and for those he didn’t, he made it his mission to meet them. The autopsy told us that he died because his heart was too big. It worked too hard and simply stopped. And somehow, that feels perfectly true. His heart was enormous. He loved freely, openly, and completely, and everyone who crossed his path felt it. He was always full of energy and positivity. He worked hard from a young age—delivering newspapers and helping at his father’s fruit and vegetable market. Winters were spent in Florida with his sister, who kept up with her schoolwork, while Dad brought a fishing rod and lived fully in the moment. He returned a bit lost academically, but he found his way to the pool hall—and became an exceptional pool player. Bob truly found his calling in real estate; he was a dedicated real estate agent in Sarnia for more than 30 years, spending the majority of his career with Magic Realty and RE/MAX. He had an extraordinary emotional intelligence. He loved his work and was often seen driving clients around town or hosting open houses, always with a big smile and a friendly conversation for everyone he met. He also loved learning and improving attending conferences, reading books on how to be better, winning awards, and proudly handing out pumpkins each Thanksgiving with his business card attached building relationships with everyone. He embraced retirement just as fully, heading to Florida every November for exactly six months minus one day. He was an avid golfer, dedicating many decades to his swing and could be spotted on each Sarnia and Clearwater course. He immensely enjoyed going out, singing karaoke with his many Florida friends at Coorey Karaoke known as Canadian Bob. His deep husky voice brought Joe Cocker, Frank Sinatra and George Thorogood into the room. He soaked up the sun while singing—especially “My Way,” a song that feels perfectly fitting now. Surrounded by his loving family at his home on Friday, January 23, 2026, Bob Harper passed away peacefully on his 79th birthday. He was the beloved husband of Doreen, loving father of Jennifer and Brett, father in law to Casey and Tanya, and cherished grandfather of Caleb, Dean, Jack, Bret, Mason and Brayden. He will be fondly treasured as a younger brother to Janet and Grant Ferguson. He loved his family. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a time for shared stories and remembrance at 3:00 p.m. We would be grateful to hear your memories and to gather with Bob’s family and friends as we celebrate his life. Your presence and kind thoughts are more than enough. Those who wish may also make a donation to the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation in his memory.
